Omaha Beach - Planning

Minutes of the Planning Forum of Omaha Beach Community Inc. ("OBC")
Held at Omaha Beach Community Centre at 4.00pm
On Saturday 21 November 2009

PRESENT
OBC President Graham Painter (Chair) and Committee: Chris Allan, Mike Campbell, Roger Donald, Merv Dry, Kim Fisher, Jo Forsyth, Glenys McBain, Judy O'Callahan

Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, MP
Rodney District Council ("RDC") Mayor, Penny Webster and Councillors Dave Parker, Grahame Powell, June Turner
Sgt Bede Haughey (Head of Station) and Jon Williams – Police, Warkworth

Some 50 other OBC members and interested parties

APOLOGIES
Committee members Steve Marshall, Belinda Thomas; Trish Jackson; Anna Ongley; Max Marsh

WELCOME
The Chairman welcomed Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney, the Mayor, councillors and meeting attendees.

OPENING ADDRESS – MAYOR PENNY WEBSTER
The Mayor acknowledged Lockwood Smith and noted that this was the last OBC Planning Forum she would be attending as Mayor.

She summarised the progress to date in relation to the new Auckland City and outlined the latest proposals, in particular those for what is currently RDC's Northern, Central and Western wards: one ward; one local board with three subdivisions, basically corresponding to the current ward boundaries. She stressed that we don't know yet what the local boards will actually do – and there importance for communities.

The Mayor commented on the positive working relationship that has developed between RDC and OBC, bringing the issues ofdifference down to two or three interesting ones, supporting each other over "the development at the end of the beach", and helping each other over the tsunami warnings.

In conclusion she advised that while she is not going to stand as Mayor of Auckland City she may stand as Councillor for Rodney.

COUNCILLOR COMMENTS:
Councillor Dave Parker commented that RDC is working very closely with us on the Omaha Park Ltd ("OPL") matter, with the ARC involved too. He noted that RDC is providing additional funding for summer security again this year, and working to improve systems in relation to noise control complaints.

He advised some details of the summer rubbish and recycling collections, noting that they are still working on how to cope with the extra demand, and this will be an ongoing issue. RDC feels that public skip bins are an option but will be need to be better managed than they were last year. All public litter bins will be emptied daily, with an extra at the Surf Club and another skip at the boat ramp. He noted the need for talk and co-operation between shop owners and RDC, and advised that the OBC Committee will be given the summer information for circulation.

Councillor Grahame Powell referred to RDC's LTCCO (10-year plan), noting that it will continue for the next two to three years, during and in the period immediately after the Auckland City merger. He described the Council having expended $376k in 2006/7, $445k in 2008/9 and $667k in 2008/9 in the area on capital projects; these included the cycle/pedestrian walkway over the causeway, the seawall – not yet complete but well underway, and the tsunami warning sirens project. He referred to the Whangateau Harbour Care group's concerns and noted that we want to retain the harbour's water quality.

Councillor June Turner said that it has been a privilege to serve Rodney and us and referred to work done on getting graffiti stamped out, urging residents to phone RDC's 0800 number [0800 426 5169] if they see graffiti, and to the tsunami warning signs being in place. She commented on car 'sliders', asking residents to note the registration plate numbers and report them to the Police, and mentioned that the road works in Warkworth may be finished in February, after which work will start on the Hill Street intersection, one result of which will be a left-hand lane for drivers heading toward Matakana/Omaha.

STATUS OF PREVIOUS / CONTINUING OBJECTIVES
The OBC President outlined the status of these and OBC's 2009 initiatives, except where otherwise noted.

Seawall & Dinghy Ramp
There has been no further progress, as far as we're aware. We will update members through the newsletter and at the AGM [3 January 2010].

Boat Ramp & Trailer Parking
Discussions with RDC have continued; Murray Noone is particularly aware and sympathetic to what is clearly a long term problem and will get worse.
Interim improvements to the ramp have been suggested: an additional 2m each side, and 6m length. RDC have suggested the possibility of pontoons from Gulf Harbour for the causeway side, to increase efficiency of boats on and off the ramp.
Parking, already very difficult, is going to be increasing problem. An OBC member, commenting that about 50% of the boats come over the causeway, asked whether any consideration had been given to charging non-residents. The problem is that there is no other all-tide ramp in the vicinity.
RDC have levelled out the current parking area – and the northern (overflow) parking area must be kept open – it is a public reserve, and residents must not be chain it off.

Vehicles on Walkways / Dunes / Beach
OBC has asked Insite Security to be proactive on any motorized vehicles on the walkways, dunes or beach – and also on unregistered vehicles on roads and footpaths. There have been two accidents in the past couple of year. Tracks of Sea Legs (amphibious boats) have even been noticed on the northern spit, near the dotterel area.
The surf club has given Insite Security a quad bike to use on its Omaha Beach patrols. It is being painted in Insite's colours and will be used over the summer.
To a member's question about dogs (out of control or on the beach outside the permitted hours) Merv Dry advised RDC has indicated they're stepping up patrols over the next two weeks (weekdays and weekends), and Insite staff will be warranted as dog control officers.

Rabbits
Rabbits are generally under control at southern end. Northern end residents are urged to call Steve Marshall for bait stations.

Signage
We are have been trying for over two years to get RDC to provide more dune signs to put on the beachside – and between walkways. Continued access over northern dunes instead of using walkways will encourage erosion & negate our work on inundation exposure.

Public Property Maintenance (RDC)
Merv Dry, liaison between OBC, RDC and CityCare, reported that the relationship between the three parties has strengthened over the last two years. Mowing, barking and so on are getting better and better – and having one person for mowing a couple for tending gardens is proving really beneficial. Residents are encourage to help by looking after the gardens directly by their properties – if untended, they will have to be mown (as advised in previous years).

Middens on public property (ie council owned) are RDC's responsibility. If there is an issue with their maintenance members should let OBC know.

Footpath Omaha Drive
A "dead duck", this is not part of RDC's current or future budget.

Inundation Issue
A lot of time has been spent on this, this year. Finally, Simpson Grierson has acknowledged that this relates to only 42 lots on parts of Bluebell, Esme, Southern Isle & Ruby Cove. We are still questioning the justification.

RDC's District Plan was in error and OBC had to go to the Environment Court, or else we would have been locked into the District Plan as it was. Richard Brabant is the OBC residents' advocate to the Environment Court on a pro bono basis, and we are very grateful to him for this.

OBC will need to communicate with the affected parties within the next week and are meeting Tonkin & Taylor on site on Monday, 30 November.

Rates
This is always ongoing – we maintain a watching brief.

Stormwater Rates
We are getting some traction on this. RDC is checking infrastructure and will provide information to us, to which we will respond.
We hope Council will review Omaha's classification for stormwater rating, noting we've been advised that RDC's average spend has been some $23,000 per year.

Warkworth Medical Services
Rodney Surgical Centre (currently all private – two operating theatres) has opened in Warkworth, but no change to Accident and Emergency Medical Services and none seem likely.

Omaha Taniko Wetlands (Kahikatea) Scientific Reserve Walkway
This project was 'kicked off' by Greg Stenbeck when OBC President and is progressing.
It has been 'GPS'd' with Department of Conservation (DOC) officers and will be some 2.5 km in length. It appears that most of it will be able to be metalled (not boardwalk), with boards at the sides.
Access at the southern end still to be resolved as there is potential conflict with golf tees.
We are developing a budget and looking into funding. It looks as if we may get it done for under $100k; we have an initial underwrite from OBRS of 20% or $20k, whichever lesser, and ARC will potentially match DOC's contribution (measured through costing their time). Other potential trust grants are being researched.
Jo Forsyth, Trish Jackson, Cathy Donald & Anna Ongley are moving this forward and we have an offer of assistance from a new resident, an engineer.
Initial planting inside the predator fence (where DOC had removed gorse) was done recently by DOC, BNZ staff & volunteers. We will have links with local schools for future planting.
It will be a walkway, not a cycleway, with entry/exit gates to exclude dogs and other animals.

0BC 2009 INITIATIVES

Submission - Warkworth Parking Meters
OBC put in a submission and acknowledges the collective representation at hearing by Burnette O'Connor of O'Connor Consultants, Warkworth.

Submission - Liquor Licensing Authority – Off-licence for Superette
OBC put in submission and attended hearing, following members' response at last year's Planning Forum and January's AGM. The licence was awarded in terms of the law. It is for the sale of wine, beer (and mead) only, with hours limited to 10am – 7pm. Importantly, the judgement acknowledges that OBC does have an "interest greater than that of the general public"
Members were encouraged to support the superette.

Submission - Auckland City Governance & Follow-up; What Next?
At the Mayor's request, the OBC committee met with her prior to making a submission on Auckland City Governance.
OBC put in a submission, supporting the RDC for unitary authority – as long as Rodney wasn't to be split, and OBC made a representation of its own to the Select Committee (as well as in support of RDC).
There was strong Omaha response against the Select Committee proposal to split Rodney, and strong Omaha representation at Lockwood Smith's Ascension meeting, where the vote at end of meeting was 2/3 (to be in Auckland) vs1/3 (to be with Kaipara).
OBC has noted the petition circulated by the Northern Action Group, but considers this a little simplistic; does not believe it would work financially – and Omaha would be the 'cash cow'; notes that this would involve completely re-inventing the wheel; and considers that Northland Regional Council doesn't have good track record of coastal management (eg Opua mussel farms; Whangarei etc; Mangawhai Devpt).
As of yesterday (Fri 20th): Local Government Commission proposes for all existing Rodney except Hibiscus Coast north to Waiwera: 1 ward, 1 elected councillor, 1 local board.
Omaha Beach would be part of the Wellsford/Warkworth subdivision of the local board, with 3 elected local board representatives. Others in our board would be Dairy Flat & Kumeu/Helensville, with one and three representatives respectively.
OBC will put in a submission before they close on 11 December, 2009. To us, the proposal, as far is it currently goes, seems about as good as we can expect.
The Mayor stressed that what's proposed for the local board will be very important – and is not yet known, in terms of either responsibilities (what will the boards do?) or financing (from Auckland City to the local board). She noted that the Omaha Beach Golf Club needs very strong support from the local councillors to avoid major rent increases. (A member noted that the Golf Course is a council asset and don't have to pay to maintain it.) There are also issues related to the North/West division, especially as most roads in the proposed western subdivision, but many are unsealed in the north.
OBC's submission will focus on these issues.

Northern End Walkways
Early in the year RDC contractors made a number of repairs to walkways identified at the January AGM as being particularly dangerous.
OBC committee members all northern end walkways identifying areas breaking up and tripping hazards. Hutchinson Consultants provided us with enlarged aerial photos and we have pinpointed the specific sites of RDC repairs and remaining significant hazards
The aerial photos, with sites identified, were on display and residents were invited to look at them after the meeting and any others.

Road Markings – Speed Restrictions
Speed restrictions – eg 50k on entry to Omaha Beach, suggested by a resident at the AGM, now painted on the roads will be repainted before Christmas. RDC were thanked for their prompt attention to this.

NZ Post 'Street Receiver' & Mail Box Placements
OBC instigated NZ Post's moving the 'street receiver' ie posting box for mail being sent from Darroch Slope to outside the Superette.
At the southern end, mailboxes on properties have had to be put at the road edge on the instruction of the Rural Post contractor. We consider this to be unlawful & dangerous.
We understand that in RDC's view the rural delivery van has no mandate to drive on the wrong side of road; the mailbox is just required to be within arm's reach of the driver, on the driveway. This is a contentious – and safety - issue and OBC is arranging a meeting on site with NZ Post & RDC.

Security: Summers 2008/9 and 2009/10 & Ongoing Issues
We are pleased to advise RDC has agreed to repeat last year's subsidy on the same basis: dollar for dollar received & paid up to $10k, with the same provisions including weekly reports to RDC and the Warkworth Police.
OBC is seeking a noise control warrant for Insite and the President thanked Councillor Dave Parker and Lloyd Barton, RDC, for their effort in assisting us; we think we'll end up with a sensible result.
Security at New Year will again be important. The Highlife concert will be on again and the Golf Club is managing a Highlife campground on the Rathe property on the west side of causeway. Highlife has good security and Insite patrols will be out in force.
We have ongoing issues with a few particular individuals/groups and when owners themselves are not the ones staying on property.
The liquor ban is now in force 6pm-6am for the whole of the Omaha Beach peninsula, and it now extends until the end of daylight saving. Bede Haughey advised Warkworth Police will initially be educating people about the extended period.
Residents with any issues are urged to call 0800 OMAHA HELP ie 0800 66 24 24 while things are happening, not the following day.

Christmas / New Year Rubbish Collections
This was dealt with by Councillor Dave Parker.

Civil Defence – Tsunami Warning Testing & RDC Management Plan
Prior to the Samoa earthquake there was seemingly no proactive plan except a TXT service, which didn't work.
It appears that any level of warning was accepted as fully exposed risk.
OBC have been meeting with RDC officers and recently visited RDC's Emergency Operations Centre – an impressive emergency management facility.
But much risk analysis yet to be done eg if ½ metre wave at Raoul Island, what level at Omaha Beach at high tide? or low tide? and what shoreline impact?
Presently, evacuation plans take no account of expected wave height. Three levels are to be identified: above 10 metres is done. We understand that IGNS and NIMA have lots of background and OBC is/will be working with RDC to produce an impact plan, contour risk presentation and an evacuation plan for us.
When the tsunami warning sirens were tested Omaha's two sirens were only partially effective; we need seven more for full cover; two are coming before Christmas. A resident living near the boat ramp commented he can hear the Leigh fire siren but didn't hear the siren tested. A councillor noted that until about two years ago RDC wasn't evening going to put in sirens. This is Work in Progress.

DOTTERELS
The President reminded the meeting of how the dotterels are a unique asset, but horribly exposed, and referred to incidents, particularly bonfires, at the northern end of the beach at Labour weekend, and introduced Joanne McPhee from the recently form Shorebird Protection Group. Joanne introduced Cameron Walker from RDC and they explained:
Why we need to protect them: They are one of the world's rare birds – about 1700 worldwide, and this the 3rd largest block in NZ; dotterels are currently nesting as the fairy tern; DOC has the Omaha Beach spit in their national recovery plan; the area is a reserve, which gives some protection under the Reserves Act.
How we plan to protect them: Improve predator control with a predator-proof fence and a predator tracking programme; attempt to eliminate cats and dogs, and vehicles, from their area; and help build community awareness.
A predator-proof fence would be along the boundary would be best; proposed height 1.5m.
To build awareness residents can tell people about these and other shorebirds;
Get involved, join the group;
Keep cats and dogs away (a resident some houses back talked of wild cats, hunting at night);
Report incidents (if residents see vehicles in the area, or people acting inappropriately – call 0800 OMAHA HELP;
Volunteer to help build the fence;
Assist with funding.

POTENTIAL FOR COCKLES BAN
The President referred to the cockle die-off last summer, the surveys done and the process of consultation already undertaken by Ministry of Fisheries ("MinFish"in the Omaha / Whangateau area and the recently-received letter from a MinFish officer outlining the democratic / bureaucratic process yet to be followed. The President expressed the committee's frustration that these delays will mean nothing is done until after the 2009/10 summer.

It was recognised that some people believe that in time the issue will sort itself out, but most agree on the need for a ban until the cockle population recovers. We understand that Christone Rose, ARC Councillor, has told a Forum in Whangateau that she will be contacting the MinFish Minister to urge that a ban be put in place without delay, and OBC will write to MinFish supporting this.

OMAHA PARK
The President updated the meeting.
Three folders of evidence were received from lawyers for Omaha Park Ltd ("OPL") last week and OBC's expert witnesses and legal team are now going through the evidence and preparing our response, which must be in by 11 December.
Reproductions from OPL, displayed at the back of the Community Centre hall, illustrate the impact (albeit in rather subtle tones).
OPL produced evidence from 18 parties including experts; we have 19, between ARC, RDC and OBC. Richard and Jeremy Brabant are the barristers representing OBC, and the President, Chris Allen (instructing solicitor) and Greg Stenbeck (OBRS President) are all contributing their input and professional expertise and an enormous amount of unrecovered time.
Expert witnesses, ARC and RDC personnel have made many visits, by land and water, examining the area and evaluating the potential impact of the development.
Funding is going well, and at the rate we're going we will hit budget. We would like to be over budget and in a position to give refunds, making it as fair as possible to everyone.

The President introduced Richard Brabant to the meeting.
Richard referred to everyone having a role and their particular areas of interest – eg ARC: Tawharanui, their regional park, and the volume of earthworks required here, with the potential to generate serious adverse effects on the estuary and forestry. RDC is primarily involved in landscape and planning issues and will assist us in regard to traffic.
He advised that OPL's proposal for a 200-bed hotel has now been dropped, but replaced by an accommodation facility for 120 people in the commercial centre of their village – but noted the amount of detail missing in their evidence.
OBC's experts are John Goodwin, Botha Miskell, who was involved in the development of Omaha South and is looking at the traffic impact on the community (Community traffic issues are significant) and David Mead, planner, our expert on planning, landscape, natural character and amenity issues.
Richard reminded the meeting that the key is the quality of the evidence, rather than the volume, and its relevance to the key issues.
Three weeks of hearings start 15 February 2010 in Auckland. Richard suggested that the community have some sort of informal roster to cover each day of the hearings, to reinforce the community's support and for residents to get insight into the issues. Details of the Environment Court hearings will be sent to members by email in the New Year.

The President expressed OBC's appreciation to RDC for their support, and to Kerry Connelly for his help and support on this and many other issues.

GENERAL – from the floor
A resident commented on the surface of the cycle/walkway being too rough. OBC have told RDC that since it was first laid, but will take it up again.

"The Matakana Walkway is off the list?" Councillor Turner advised they've been given a "four-acre slice of farm". OBC understands that progress is slow but has not stopped.

To a question about detailed budgets for OPL the President replied that we can't tell the opposition in advance, noted that quantum and timing are not known until particular milestones are reached, outlined the payment authorisation process, emphasised that we are making the most effective use of resources as possible and assured the meeting that at the end of the day there will be an accounting for all funds contributed and expended.

Peter Jackson thanked the Warkworth Police for their attendance. Bede Haughey responded and acknowledged RDC's support, commenting that while it continues we will get the resource we need. He noted that the Police relationship with Chris Martin (Insite Security) allow them to prioritise their responses, and that this works well for them. He also acknowledged the OBC, as the community's concerns and interest, and MP Lockwood Smith for his contribution (he "sees him more than he sees anyone").

Bede advised that the Police would have zero tolerance for the liquor ban later in the season, and commented that the lack of buy-in by some local parents that their boundaries are too lax hinders their efforts on our community's behalf. He is working with Chris Martin on ways in which Omaha Beach property owners can more strongly vet potential tenants. He thinks we're adequately resourced this summer and will continue to be the safest area in New Zealand.

GUEST SPEAKER
The President introduced Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney who expressed his interest in listening to the discussions and referred to various matters which had been raised during the meeting:
On tsunami warnings: Wellington was aware it wasn't the most effective operation – and NIWA's input has been questioned.
At Omaha Beach we have a strong community, with organisations such as the Surf Lifesaving Club, and we should (and do) develop our community the way we want it.

Local Government changes: With one councillor we need to think very carefully about who that person is: they need to be a strong person, who'll fight for what's needed in this area. (There'll be no time to deal with our problems while the new Auckland City Council sorts out the 'Urban Auckland' problems - and Auckland politicians, and Auckland local government bodies can forget there's anything north of Auckland (eg the "disgraceful highway" north). We can have three people on our board: we must ensure they're good as these boards will have quite a lot of power'. If they're good they'll have the power to manage our community's future.

Asked whether he's not disappointed that funding for the Warkworth bypass has slipped down the priority list, Lockwood replied that the Minister's arguing he wants to do it all in the one project – but the bottleneck is Warkworth, and he'll be keeping pressure on because of the highway's importance for the Auckland and Northland economy.

Asked for an insight into his "extraordinary self control" Lockwood commented that the Speaker has to judge the mood of the house and observed that Ministers are getting better information from departmental officials for answering questions.

Richard Brabant asked whether Lockwood could do anything to obtain better funding for the predator fence to protect the dotterels; he will help put appropriate focus on DOC. The Chair noted OBC has assured the new group we'll give support; a distinctive feature here is the combined urban and rural nature of the nesting location.

CLOSE OF MEETING
In closing the meeting, the President thanked Lockwood, our local MP, and invited members to send an email or phone OBC with any questions on OPL. The meeting finished at 6.10pm.